Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Can Coronavirus Spread While Patients Don’t Have Symptoms? Report Saying ‘Yes’ Was Flawed, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Untrue

Morning Briefing

While research showing that the coronavirus was spreading while patients were asymptomatic was based on faulty information, experts say it doesn’t mean that the virus isn’t spreading before symptoms appear. “We had been getting reports from highly reliable people in China — scientists, investigators and public health people who we’ve known over the years — and they’ve been telling us, ‘There’s asymptomatic disease, for sure, and we are seeing asymptomatic transmission,’” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Democrats Chant Name Of House’s Drug Costs Bill After Trump’s Vow To Act On High Pricing At State Of Union

Morning Briefing

When President Donald Trump vowed to pass a bipartisan drug pricing bill if it got to his desk, Democrats at the State of the Union began chanting “H.R. 3,” a reference to legislation the House passed last year that included many of Trump’s own policies. It has since been languishing in the Senate. Democrats also countered other health claims from the president, such as which party was working to protect American’s care.

In State Of The Union, Trump Calls For Action On Drug Prices, Surprise Billing And Promises To Protect Health Care

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump in his State of the Union address to Congress touched on health care topics that are front of mind for voters, such as drug pricing and costly surprise medical bills. Trump also touted his push for price transparency within the industry, a main theme in his administration’s actions, and took a swipe at Democrats’ support of “Medicare for All.”

Cruise Ship Quarantined After 10 Passengers Test Positive For Coronavirus

Morning Briefing

The ship, carrying about 3,500 people, is quarantined off the coast of Japan. Princess Cruises said a guest who later tested positive for coronavirus sailed from Yokohama on Jan. 20 and disembarked at Hong Kong on Jan. 25. The confirmation set off a round of testing for 273 people, including a U.S. guest who then tested positive for the illness.

Good Rehab Is Hard To Find

KFF Health News Original

Helping a loved one overcome addiction isn’t easy. Start by listening to people who have been through it. They can help find effective treatment and avoid unethical or incompetent operators.

Promising HIV Vaccine Comes Up Short As Study Finds It Was No More Effective Than Placebo

Morning Briefing

“It’s disappointing, but I’m not overly surprised by it,” said Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which funded the $121 million research effort with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “It did not, essentially, bring it over the goal line.”

Mark Bertolini, A Key Player In Aetna Deal, Forced Out By CVS Board Exposing Lingering Tensions Over Merger

Morning Briefing

Former Aetna Inc. Chief Executive Mark Bertolini was a crucial voice in selling the transformative $68 billion deal in 2018. “I was willing to continue to serve on the board of directors in support of the most transformative effort in health care for our nation. However, the board thought otherwise,” Bertolini said.

VA Deputy Secretary Abruptly Fired In Just Latest Of Long String Of Tumultuous Leadership Turnovers At Agency

Morning Briefing

VA Secretary Robert L. Wilkie said James Byrne was dismissed from his position as deputy secretary because of a “loss of confidence in Mr. Byrne’s ability to carry out his duties.” According to Axios reporting, the decision comes amid controversy over allegations from a House staff member that she was sexually assaulted at a VA hospital.

Administration, GOP States Behind ACA Lawsuit Ask Supreme Court To Delay Hearings This Year

Morning Briefing

Critics of the law do not want the case to be decided before the election because of concerns it could cause voters about loss of health care. The Supreme Court last month rejected one attempt to fast track the issue but could meet by the end of February for further discussions.